Why assume everyone on NMW is getting UC?

[asrarpolar]

Why do people assume that someone on national minimum wage is receiving universal credit? A couple both on national minimum wage can easily be receiving no universal credit, even if one is working part-time. Benefits are really low.

Who is making this assumption?

In an ideal world, anyone on NMW should be earning enough to support themselves without needing benefits, otherwise whats the point. (My complaint is about the level on NMW, NOT the people on it)

Obivously if there are children / dependants then thats different

You can have children, earn NMW and get no UC.
I see it on here all the time. People earning more claiming that those on NMW take home as much as them by the time benefits are taken into account. Or even saying someone earning NMW plus UC as if it is a give,

A couple on NMW may get UC towards their rent or childcare costs. They won't get anything else unless still under the more generous older system. And even then they are unlikely to get much towards rent. If they have no childcare costs, they can easily get no UC.

I’m assuming someone has made a comment. I personally have no idea what cuts off and the criteria is for UC so would never make an assumption about how people receive UC.

I assume each case to work it out is based on a formula.

I can't see why you are so angry about what people assume - has someone said something to you on here or in RL?

EDIT: and A couple on NMW may get UC towards their rent or childcare costs is still getting some benefits

Because a couple in NMW will probably be receiving the housing element of UC

@twnety why are you assuming I am angry? Such a strange assumption to make. No I am not angry.

I am well aware UC towards childcare and rent means receiving benefits. But as I said some couples with children working on NMW will get this, others will not. Hence the use of the word may.

@titchy If they rent they may receive a contribution to rent. But they can easily earn too much on 40 hours a week NMW and receive nothing. Obviously if they buy their own home they will receive nothing. The local housing allowances set that rent can be claimed for are pretty low in some areas.

So what is the problem? Some people dont know how benefits work?

@twnety They talk as if they do understand them though. Time and time again.

I suspect a lot of people think minimum wage is actually lower than it is and that therefore anyone earning it will also automatically receive benefits. With the rise this year, a couple over age of 22 each earning NMW for full time hours will have a household income of almost £45,000 and thus not necessarily qualify unless they have very high housing costs or childcare expenses.

If you believe half of the rubbish spouted on here (and other sites) you're probably a bit dim

I'm a 7ft supermodel with an advanced degree in neuroscience and beautology, so I know that anyone on NMW doesnt need to work more than 25 minutes a week and they can get £5,000 a week from UC to live on

Hilarious!

@ComtesseDeSpair We do not both work full time, earn NMW and have a household income of £37,000. We get child benefit but nothing else.
I have had people on here ask me if I am sure we are not entitled to UC, but we are not.
That is fine, we manage.

@twnety I know, people talk such rot. Its like all the people who were shocked when made unemployed during the pandemic and discovering how little they were entitled to. I saw some of those people complaining on the area facebook page and say how could they be expected to live on that amount. Some of them were the same people previously spouting about how benefits were too generous.

We are way better off than we would be on unemployment benefits though.

There is a lot of misunderstanding around UC.
It’s made up of elements for your total entitlement. Deductions are made for your earnings.
No housing costs then you have a lower amount so your deduction could outstrip the value

It’s understandable that people ask if you are sure. Many couples on NMW and kids are eligible for UC if they rent or have childcare costs. It’s not an assumption, it’s factual that many are eligible and don’t realise.

I also think that people think maybe you could get some extra help that you are not aware of?

I know what you mean OP - there was a thread on here recently with the OP complaining that at £70k PA she didn't get the top up benefits that 'everyone' on NMW gets .

People do presume, I've seen it on here
Min wage and I live alone and no UC
Do get 25% off council tax...

@twnety they are wrong.

@Paw2024 Exactly!! People assume you MUST get benefits. No we survive on our earnings.

The vast majority of people on UC work.

It depends if you have children, the cost of your rent and also childcare. Someone on their own with no children doesn't receive anything unless they have high rent costs. People like to judge others on here far too much.

It can’t be all that bad if you’ve chosen it as your home and have bought 4+ properties.